Astghik Hovsepyan: Mistress of the “iron business”

Almost ten years ago, when 29-year-old Astghik Hovsepyan decided to take over the management of the Magnon company engaged in the construction of metal playgrounds, the family members were worried, what if Gyumri and the people of Gyumri did not accept the ambitions of a young girl?

However, the desire to continue the work of her father, who for years managed the production of metal equipment for playgrounds, sports fields, backyard fitness and gardens, overcame all fears.

The brothers, physicists and public administration specialists, accepted Astghik’s wish and entrusted their sister with the management of the exclusively male staff.

As it turns out, working in the workshop run by his father was Astghik’s dream during her student years. Astghik, who specialized in Gyumri and then at the American University of Yerevan, remembers that during the years of studying at the university, all her work related to the business sector was related to the activities and development prospects of their workshop. The director’s father, however, advised his daughter to gain work experience at other employers first.

Astghik effectively uses the acquired useful experience in her workshop. The factory has no office space and clear working hours. The work schedule is quite flexible and adapted to the employees as much as possible. Only one thing is clear here – there is a deadline and it must be met.

The staff only welcomed the innovative approaches of the head. Management here, unlike many structures, is also participative.

The successful experience of participative management has now been added to another approach of a female leader: inclusion. the circumstance of hiring a young man with hearing problems has become an example for many.

Along with talking about her work successes and the sharp increase in orders registered in recent years, Astghik notes that although she has always stood out for her activity and courage, she, like many women, faced stereotypical approaches.

Astghik is sure that if the burden on women’s shoulders is redistributed equally, the successes will be more obvious and visible.

The mother of two children emphasizes that she was able to succeed in business thanks to the support of her family and husband. Along with that, she is also sure that before fighting against the stereotypical approaches of the family and society, women must first break their internal barriers and bonds.

Full text in Armenian